Stay compliant with workplace violence prevention training requirements

Training requirements

On September 20, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill No.553 in a bid to assist employers in preventing and responding effectively to incidents of workplace violence.

Senate Bill No.553 requires covered California employers to:

• Implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)
• Deliver specified training to employees
• Record all instances of workplace violence in a violent incident log
• Maintain records relating to the above for the periods prescribed

Requirements for supervisory and nonsupervisory employees

At a minimum, the training must include:

• The employer’s plan, how to obtain a copy of the employer’s plan at no cost, and how to participate in development and implementation of the employer’s plan.
• How to report workplace violence incidents or concerns to the employer or law enforcement without fear of reprisal.
• Workplace violence hazards specific to the employees’ jobs, the corrective measures the employer has implemented, how to seek assistance to prevent or respond to violence, and strategies to avoid physical harm.
• The violent incident log required by the law and how to obtain copies of records required by provisions of the law.
• An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with a person knowledgeable about the employer’s plan.

Training must be provided annually.

Training requirements

The Retail Worker Safety Act requires that all Retail employers provide workplace violence prevention training, as well as implement policies and other measures aimed at the preventions of violence in the workplace.

Requirements for supervisory and nonsupervisory employees

At a minimum, the training must include:

• Information regarding the requirements of the Act
• Examples of measures retail employees can use to protect themselves when faced with workplace violence from customers
• De-escalation tactics
• Active shooter drills
• Emergency procedures
• Instructions on the use of security alarms, panic buttons, and other related emergency devices
• Supervisor conduct and additional responsibilities for supervisors to address workplace-specific emergency procedures; and
• Identification of a site-specific list of emergency exits and meeting places in case of emergencies.

Employers with 50 or more employees are required to train at the time of hire and annually.

Employers with fewer than 50 employees must provide training at the time of hire and then every two years.